Greenhouse Industry Suppliers Project Growth In 2014

piechartGreenhouse industry vendors are planning for sales growth in 2014 according to Greenhouse Grower’s State of the Industry survey.

As with grower respondents to the survey, 2013 seemed to be a positive year overall for the industry’s suppliers. Nearly 85 percent of vendors said sales for 2013 were up or at least flat compared to 2012.

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And expectations for the coming season are even better, with 62 percent of vendor respondents saying they expect sales to increase in 2014. It appears vendors expect most of that growth to come from increased investment by growers, rather than raising revenues through price increases. Nearly 70 percent of vendors say they expect to keep their prices about the same in 2014.

What excites vendors most about the industry in 2014? According to survey responses, many seem to see more potential opportunities for growers to take advantage of.

“I’m seeing increased technology as it applies to increasing efficiencies, finished plant quality and increased retail shelf life,” says Ken Harr of Sakata. “I hope growers will capitalize on this.”

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“The growth of specialty markets and plants is encouraging. There is a lot more profit and opportunity there than traditional markets,” says Stan Slawek of Therm-O-Rock East.

Other vendors are encouraged by changes they’re seeing among the growers themselves.

“I see the industry as a whole looking at the way they are doing business,” says Curt Thimm of Griffin Greenhouse Supplies.

“I’m excited about the next generation coming up,” adds Edwin Hoenderdos of Hove International. “They are innovative and full of new ideas.”

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